Post Staff – Page 627 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Two men die behind bars in northwest Missouri

Posted on August 17, 2015

Two men have died while in custody over the past three days in northwest Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Corrections said Monday that 52-year-old Brian Schultz died Saturday at 4:50 a.m. the Crossroads correctional Center in Cameron of apparent natural causes. Schultz was serving a 20-year sentence for first-degree robbery from Jackson County. He was received in the Missouri Department of Corrections in July of 2010.

A second death occurred after an inmate in the Daviess Dekalb County Regional Jail notified staff of a medical issue.

According to the LCSO Jerry D. Wells, 53, Texas has been in custody since July 28, 2015 on a Livingston County felony warrant for alleged class D felony Non-Support, Total Arrears in Excess of 12 Monthly Payments Due Under Order of Support 568.040 RSMo. Bond was set at $15,000 cash. Wells was originally arrested in Texas and subsequently extradited to Missouri by U.S. Prisoner Transport and booked into DDCRJ on August 09, 2015.

The department said that at around 12:30 a.m. Monday Wells notified DDCRJ staff of a medical issue. The department said DDCRJ followed medical protocols and were directed to call an ambulance and did so. The Emergency Responders and Ambulance arrived approximately 7 minutes later and transported Wells to Cameron Regional Hospital for treatment and was pronounced deceased by the Coroner approximately 4:10 a.m. today. An autopsy has been requested.

Dearborn man pleads guilty to child sex abuse spanning years

Posted on August 17, 2015

Two and a half years after charges were brought, a Dearborn man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a young girl on a regular basis over a period of six to eight years. Darren L. Paden, 52, admitted on August 17 that he sexually abused the girl once or twice a month from the time she was five or six years old until she was 12 or 13.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, “While this defendant admitted to his horrible crimes the day he was arrested, he continually delayed his day of reckoning. Sadly, during that time, many in the community sided with him, compounding the trauma experienced by his victim. Now there can be no doubt: Darren Paden repeatedly committed monstrous acts against a young girl.”

Paden admitted he began watching pornographic movies with the girl in 2001 or 2002. After watching a pornographic movie with her while she was 5 or 6 years old, Paden performed a sex act on the girl and demanded that she perform a sex act upon him.

Paden regularly abused the girl in that manner, generally once or twice a month, over a period of at least six years, according to the girl. Paden told the girl it was “their little secret” and that she should not tell her mother or anyone else.

Paden also utilized sexual devices on the girl. When authorities searched Paden’s house, they found items matching the description given by the girl.

When Paden was interviewed by detectives with the Platte County Sheriff’s Department in December 2012, he admitted he sexually abused the girl once or twice a month from 2001 to 2009. Based on his confession, Paden would have abused the girl somewhere between 70 and 140 times.

When interviewed by detectives, Paden also wrote letters apologizing to the victim and his family for what he had done. Despite the confession and apology letters, Paden refused to plead guilty to his crimes for more than two years.

However, during his guilty plea, upon questioning by his criminal defense attorney, Paden confirmed the girl “was, in fact, truthful.”

Paden pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree statutory sodomy involving a victim under age 12. Zahnd said his office would seek 30-year sentences on each count. By law, those sentences must be run consecutively, which would result in a 60-year prison sentence.

Judge James Van Amburg will sentence Paden on October 2 at 11:00 a.m. Paden was taken into custody following his guilty plea and is being held without a bond.

Zahnd said, “Those who may have believed the whispers of denial now know the truth. Darren Paden preyed on a defenseless girl again and again. He deserves sympathy from no one. He deserves justice, and justice demands that he spend the rest of his life in prison.”

Marijuana plants and stolen chainsaw found during search

Posted on August 17, 2015August 17, 2015

Photos courtesy LCSO Seized Sativa variety Marijuana plants.

Burglary charges led investigators to search a home and seize Marijuana plants in Livingston County.

William Shaffer, 37 of Ludlow and Gary Calvert, 21 of Chillicothe are both charged with five felonies, one for burglary, three counts of theft/stealing and one for possession of burglary tools and a misdemeanor for property damage in Daviess County. The suspect were charged in connections with the alleged burglary and stealing from a business in Daviess County.

The individuals were charged July 27. Two days later the Livingston County Sheriff’s department searched a home in the 8000 block of Liv 525. According to court documents Calvert lived at a location in the 8000 block of Liv 525. LCSO said after searching the residence officers recovered an alleged stolen Stihl Chainsaw and Toolbox with various tools and seized several Marijuana plants.

LCSO said potential additional charges are pending in Livingston County.

Obituaries Aug. 13-15

Posted on August 17, 2015

Candelairo “Condi” Juan Contreras
1963-2015

Candelairo “Condi” Juan Contreras 52, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday August 14, 2015. He was born April 20, 1963 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Norma & Pedro “Pete” Contreras. He attended St. James Grade School, and after obtaining his GED he took some courses in wildlife management, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and taking care of people as a handyman mowing peoples yards and other various work. He was Catholic Condie was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Carlos H. Contreras, and David Contreras. He is survived by daughters, Katelyn Contreras and Kristin (Caleb) White both of St. Joseph, MO, six sisters, Cassimeda Contreras, Martina Contreras, Maria (Dennis) Shifflett, Joannona Owens, Celestina (Francisco) Gonzalez of Fremont, NE, and Guadalup “Freedom” Contreras, two brothers, Pedro “Pete” (Cindy) Contreras, Thomas (Kristina) Contreras, as well as numerous nieces & nephews, and his former wife, Kathy Contreras of St. Joseph, MO. A memorial service will be held at a later date. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

James Timothy Young
1968-2015

James Timothy Young 47, of Wilton Manors, Florida, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2015 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He was born March 3, 1968 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Lela and James Young. He graduated from Lafayette High School and attended Missouri Western State University. He served in the United States Navy serving with the band squad. He then worked at Jet Blue Airline as a Ticket Sales Agent. He enjoyed Rodeo, bull riding, steer wrestling, and was an avid fund raiser for the Aids Foundation, he was a Christian. Timmy was preceded in death by father, James A. Young. Survivors include, mother, Lela (Dale) Warner of St. Joseph, MO, brother, Michael (Robin) Young of St. Joseph, two sisters, Tonya (Joe) Lopez of Kansas, and Shannon (Rodney) Seniceros of St. Joseph, MO, numerous, nieces & nephews, as well as his Rodeo and Jet Blue Airline families.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Albert Shirley officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Ebenezer Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Aids Foundation. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

George Stephen Kemp
1922-2015

George Stephen Kemp, 92, Cosby, Missouri passed away Friday, August 14, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
He was born on November 21, 1922 in King City, Missouri.
George married Arlene Eiman on March 16, 1952. She preceded him in death on November 18, 1998.
He was a member of Hope United Church of Christ, King City American Legion Post #132, Cosby Masonic Lodge, Cosby Lions Club and having a love of flying, he was a member of TRAIL Winds Flying Club.
George owned Avenue City Grocery and Oil Co.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers, Curtis, Virgil, Dale, Paul, Ray and John Kemp; sisters, Velma Evans and Ruby Stoker.
Survivors include sister, Marthalene Stoker; brother, Wayne Kemp (Deloris); and sixteen nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Hope United Church of Christ. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial gifts may be made to Avenue City School or Hope United Church of Christ. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Bryon Lawrence “AKA: Missouri Mule” Jackson
1959-2015

Bryon Lawrence “AKA: Missouri Mule” Jackson, 56, Thornton, Colorado passed away Friday, August 14, 2015 at Mosaic Life care.
He was born August 10, 1959 to Delbert and Edna (Sollars) Jackson in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Bryon worked many years as a concrete worker.
He was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Jackson; and sister, Janetta Jackson Rhoads.
Survivors include his mother, Edna Jackson Schumacher, Thornton, Colorado; sons, Chad L. and Jeffrey Jackson; sisters, Tracy McCoy (Russell), Brighton, Colorado, Beth Garrett, Brighton, Colorado and Vickie Scionka (Ron), Thornton, Colorado; brother, Darrell Jackson, Yuma, Colorado; nephews, Dusty Rhoads, Loren Urquhart, Bradley Jackson, Dustin Larsen, Braxton Pool, Camaron and Cruze Staveland; nieces, Stacy Huffman, Carrie and Destiny Helton, Heather and Kylie Jackson, Alyssa and Janetta Staveland, Shelly Ewing, Bailey Nitura, Jacy Pool and Shelby Urquhart; and was loved by many others. Bryon is now on his fishing trip. For those of us who knew Bryon and loved him, he will be missed by many.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Wendy Renee Winder
1967-2015

Wendy Renee Winder, 48, Amazonia, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2015 surrounded by her family at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born July 12, 1967 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Rick and Jackie Winder, Easton, Missouri.
She graduated from Benton High School class of 1985. She received her degree from Platt Junior College in Cosmetology and Nail Technician. Wendy worked at Fantastic Sams, Heartland Hospital and Sara Lee. She became a Corrections Officer working for Missouri Department of Corrections Center in Cameron Missouri and St. Joseph, Missouri before leaving due to illness.
Wendy enjoyed her home on the Nodaway River, but most especially spending time with family. She will always be remembered by her loving smile and soft spoken voice. Wendy was sincere, giving and loving with sweet tenderness. She was a member of King Hill Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joe Gresham (Estina) and Ruth White (Jim); maternal grandparents, Finest Phroper (Maxine); uncle, Richard Gresham; aunt, Donna Smith; cousin, Shawn Phroper; and her dogs, Lilly and Max.
Survivors include her parents; love of her life, Arnie Bertlesen of the home; son, Rickey Winder (Brittany); sister, Cindy Krull (John); niece, Hillari Krull; nephew, Robbie Krull; several aunts, uncles and cousins. . . too many to list; beloved dog, Mollie; and cat, Fessie.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Easton, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Mosaic Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Edward “Buddy” Leon Gibson, Jr.
1948-2015

Edward “Buddy” Leon Gibson, Jr, 67, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born on April 9, 1948, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Buddy married Paula McDonell on July 12, 1972.
He was a member of American Legion Post 359 and a proud member of N.R.A.
He worked for Sietz Food for 10 years, owned and operated Gibson Body Shop in Stewartsville and retired after 20 years at Ken Smith Autobody, St. Joseph, Missouri.
Buddy loved his family, enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Freada Modean Gibson; brothers, Steven and Gary Gibson.
Survivors include wife, Paula Gibson of the home; children, Lonnie Gay (Gina) St. Joseph, Ronnie Gibson (Beth) Peoria, IL, Scott Gibson, Troy, KS, Paula Ott (Mark) Cameron, MO, Krista Scott, St. Joseph, Carrie Till (Frank), St. Joseph and Edward Gibson (Michelle) Amazonia, MO; 11 grandchildren; siblings, Sandy, Freada, Lannie, Leondra, and Lorrie.
Farewell Services 3:30 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment at a later date. The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Cindy M. Walsh
1964-2015

Cindy M. Walsh, 51, Leavenworth, Kansas passed away Friday, August 7, 2015 at Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital.
She was born on April 16, 1964 in Orange County, California.
Cindy loved animals, especially her dogs.
She was very caring and would do anything to help someone in need.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Darwin and Joyce Orris.
Survivors include daughter, Lonnie Folsom (Ryan); son, Mark Donald Born; and brother, Mark Orris.
Natural Farewell Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to a local animal shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Unusual boating incident kills one

Posted on August 17, 2015

GRAVOIS MILLS, Mo. (AP) — A California man has died in a boating accident at the Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol identified the victim as 52-year-old Raymond E. Duff, of Winnetka, California. The patrol says Duff died Saturday afternoon after pulling to the shoreline and getting off the pontoon boat he had been driving.

When he stepped into the water in the Gravois Arm of the lake, a boat wake struck, causing Duff to suffer what the patrol described as a “medical emergency.”

He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Harassment claims prompt new intern rules at statehouse

Posted on August 17, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House is working on new intern rules aimed at preventing sexual harassment after recent scandals led two legislators to resign.

An early draft of the policy includes tighter rules for administering internships. The policy also calls for an ombudsman so interns could report problems.

Lawmakers have been under pressure to take action since former Republican House Speaker John Diehl resigned as the session concluded. He acknowledged that he had exchanged sexually suggestive text messages with a 19-year-old Capitol intern.

Then last month, Missouri state Senator Paul LeVota submitted his resignation following allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances toward interns. The Democrat denied the allegations, but they prompted party leaders to question his ability to serve.

Medical marijuana supporters prepare possible petition drive

Posted on August 17, 2015August 17, 2015

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Families that want to legalize medical marijuana are preparing for a possible petition drive to put the issue on the 2016 ballot. Parents with sick children who lobbied for the measure that stalled during this year’s legislative session have formed a new nonprofit and are raising money.

Nebraska Families 4 Medical Cannabis president Shelley Gillen says the group is still deciding whether to appeal directly to voters or to try again with the Legislature next year. She expects to have a decision by next month.

Gathering signatures for a ballot measure could be easier under a new state law that goes into effect August 30th and allows petition organizers to pay petition-circulators by the signature instead of by the hour.

Rollover crash kills driver

Posted on August 17, 2015August 17, 2015

A 56-year-old Nebraska man was killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash along I-29 south of Mound City Saturday morning.

The crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicates Terry Stanley of Omaha lost control of his pickup truck at about 6:15am Saturday.

The vehicle veered off the road and overturned multiple times, coming to rest on its top.

Mr Stanley was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Motorcyclist injured in Andrew County crash

Posted on August 17, 2015August 17, 2015

A St Joseph man was injured in a motorcycle crash in Country Club Village early Sunday morning.

According to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 20-year-old Victor Weidmaier lost control of his bike along the Belt Highway at about 1:45am Sunday.

The bike left the roadway, hit a driveway culvert and overturned, ejecting Mr Weidmaier.

He was transported to Mosaic LIfe Care for treatment of moderate injuries.

New Artistic Director for St. Joseph Community Chorus

Posted on August 16, 2015August 14, 2015

Dr. Elise Hepworth, Director of Choral Studies at MWSU is taking on the role of Artistic Director for the St. Joseph Community Chorus.

Frank Thomas, founder and long time artistic director has retired from the position.

Dr. Hepworth is associate professor and Director of Choral Studies and Music Education at Missouri Western State University. She teaches choral literature, choral conducting, K-6 and 7-12 music methods courses, and conducts the MWSU Concert Chorale and the MWSU Renaissance and Chamber Singers.

Founded in 1980, the St. Joseph Community Chorus, in partnership with Missouri Western State University, presents interesting, challenging and diverse programs of choral music from classical to contemporary throughout the Midwest region. The Chorus, open to all age groups high school and above, includes 85 singers that rehearse weekly on the campus of MWSU. Singers may join the Chorus at the beginning of each semester and may take the course for university credit if they choose.

It is the mission of the St. Joseph Community Chorus to foster the enjoyment and appreciation of quality choral music among its membership and the regional community by providing an organization of the highest caliber to present exceptional performances of choral literature. This ensemble is the largest all-volunteer performing organization in Northwest Missouri.

The Community Chorus season will start with a welcome picnic for new and returning members on August 24th at 6:00 pm in Potter Hall. Audition for placement will begin at 6:30, registration at 6:45 and the first rehearsal will start at 7:15. Call the MWSU Department of Music at 271-4420 or email sjcc@missouriwestern.edu for more information.